Talk about camouflage. This tiny long-nosed planthopper was hard to spot! If you want a good look at him, please view large.
At barely 1.5cm (0.6in) he's probably just a nymph, that is, not a fully grown adult. Planthoppers suck on the sap of leaves, twigs, branches and tree trunks. Many of them have bizarre looks, with leaf-like bodies, long noses, bushy tails or crazy textures and bright colors. The ones I've seen so far are green, like this little guy.
I've been asked as to how I spot these tiny bugs for my macro shots. It doesn't take great eyesight (I wear glasses); you just have to look very, very carefully! Sometimes they are so well camouflaged that it's hard to spot them until they move, so you have to be on the lookout for tiny movements. I find myself bending over and squatting a lot, to get closer to the plants and grasses where I expect to find insects. And even when I don't see anything, often I'd stay in a single spot for a while, being quiet and motionless, and I wait to see if anything moves. I think, spotting tiny bugs does get easier with practice. What doesn't get easier is how I need to bend over or squat or kneel, in order to get a shot. My middle-aged bones do protest at the awkward postures. 8(
I find the same when trying to encounter bugs in my garden. A lot of squatting involved and watching for movement. Like you, middle age isn't helping though ;o) I love how much this little guy looks like a leaf. True camouflage and a great shot xx
awesome capture, Livia... i agree with your approach for finding these things... just sit still in one spot and they will eventually appear before you, much like the cheshire cat :)
great eye and description of your "process" (I emit so many creaks and groans and pops and cries when bending & squatting I scare all the critters into hiding, lol)
A great, big, refreshingly green, carefully spotted, poised and still and watchful "THANK YOU!" to all! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit and write a comment. Please know that I appreciate your support very much. I hope everyone's having a wonderful weekend. Again, thank you!
The incredible ingenuity of bugs and other creatures always amazes me. Great capture, composition. Love the green. Though you may ache, we all appreciate the patience you take to get beautiful captures.
June 4th, 2012
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BTW, just wait until you have ANCIENT bones ; )
excellent detail in this "little leaf-like friend".
:) a fav
I love your description of bending around - found myself in a similar situation recently ;-)
another great shot Livia!